No, I’m not going to complain again, but it’s my blog and it’s my prerogative.

I have recently been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s not a surprise. It’s always been tough – this year is the toughest it’s ever been. I saw it coming. It’s like a switch was flipped – because in the summer I’m nailin’ it – but now I feel nailed to the floor. The good news is that I am not going to stay here. I just can’t.

I am employing a mufti-faceted approach to battle this ugly, black dog. It is a most difficult challenge when your concentration is poor, attention is short, and mood is low. My doctor made several recommendations, as well as dear friends, and some are helping already. Protein is my friend, and sugar is most likely the enemy 🙁 A several mile walk lifts my mood and soothes frayed nerves immediately. I have my hands on some books that have solid nutritional advice and I’ve never felt so strongly about a vitamin before! I felt its effects the first day I took it 🙂

I’ve also gotten myself a therapist. She is super shiny and meets me in the kitchen.

That’s right – 10,000 lux of goodness. It’s an effective treatment for SAD with a well-established track record. I sit with my light at the recommended distance while I read, watch the news and drink a cup of coffee for 15-30 minutes first thing in the morning. The light needs be pointing passively into your eyes, without looking directly into it. The forced sitting still might be good for me too. I have to admit – I am feeling positive effects of this rather quickly, as well. Sleep, oh how it eluded me!

I recognize that there is truly a chemical change in my brain when the sun leaves the summer sky for me. Like I said, it’s like someone flipped a switch – or at least took my sunny orb of happiness. But, I believe there are lots of good ways to fight the winter blues that threaten to side track my holidays, my marriage, my relationship with my kids, my productivity and generally being able to be happy.

Bring on the Serotonin! Please.

I have friends who have done some really nice things for me recently – from bringing a gift bag full of relaxing teas and treats to providing me with lots of info and research that they have already done on SAD and depression or sending me encouraging words

~ thank you!